Event Photos

Time

march 16 (Friday) - 18 (Sunday)

Location

Joshua Tree National Park

Event Details

Curious about backpacking but feeling overwhelmed or intimidated? Join us for a backpacking adventure in Joshua Tree National Park!
This 2-night experience is designed to help beginners gain confidence in essential

Event Details

Curious about backpacking but feeling overwhelmed or intimidated? Join us for a backpacking adventure in Joshua Tree National Park!

This 2-night experience is designed to help beginners gain confidence in essential backcountry skills. Learn how to pack your bag, read a map, prepare a delicious meal outdoors, minimize your impact, and more!

We will get up-close-and-personal with the desert landscape as we head into the backcountry on the Boy Scout Trail, navigating the sandy washes and rock formations to our first wilderness campsite. We will continue our journey through the Wonderland of Rocks to Willow Hole, an oasis shaded by desert willows and frequented by bighorn sheep. Along the way, we will keep our eyes peeled for desert wildflower blooms, which are common in the Wonderland area. Finally, we will retrace our steps along the Boy Scout Trail for our final descent to Indian Cove and celebrate with a victory lunch at a local restaurant.

Highlights For This Adventure

Explore the wide open backcountry, mini-slot canyon and rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park away from the crowds

Go on a scavenger hunt to view early blooms during peak desert wildflower season

Stargaze far away from city lights and fall asleep to the sound of coyotes howling

Find out if scorpions really glow in the dark

Learn essential backcountry skills in a judgement-free environment

Included With Every Shoestring Adventure

Experienced Wilderness First Responder/CPR Certified trip leaders

A supportive community of Shoestring Warriors

Gourmet backcountry meals

Triptographer will join to capture the memories

Edited photos 3 weeks after your trip ends

Shoestring Warrior Adventure Kit with curated souvenirs

Permits and reservations

Shoestring Adventures operates with special use permits. A portion of your ticket goes toward protecting and preserving this park for future generations.

Your Journey

Day 1: Meet at the Boy Scout trailhead in Indian Cove at 8:00am, where we will begin and end our journey. After orientation, we will caravan to another Boy Scout trail entrance for a flat 2.4-mi out-and-back hike to cache (or store) our water for Day 2. Then we will caravan back to Indian Cove. We will navigate through a sandy wash and climb out of the canyon to the Big Pine Trail intersection (4.25-mi), where we will find a place to set up camp. Finally, we will prepare and enjoy a hearty backcountry dinner. Total: 6.65-miles

Day 2: After coffee and breakfast, we’ll break down camp and continue our journey for 2.6-mi along Boy Scout Trail to the intersection of Willow Hole Trail, where we will drop our packs and find a place to set up camp. After lunch, we will continue our journey through the Wonderland of Rocks to Willow Hole, an oasis shaded by desert willows and frequented by bighorn sheep (approx. 4.6-mi round trip). Before returning to camp, we must make an important detour to retrieve our cache of drinking water. Return to camp to watch the sunrise and enjoy a well-deserved backcountry feast! Total: Total: 7.2-miles

Day 3: On our final day in Joshua Tree, we recommend waking up early to catch the desert sunrise. After coffee and breakfast, we will break down camp and retrace our steps along the Boy Scout Trail, completing our journey at Indian Cover around noon (approx. 7-mi). We will caravan back to our cars at Maze Loop Trailhead and meet up for a victory lunch at a local restaurant before returning home. Total: 7-miles

Schedule subject to change due to weather, camper ability/injury, natural events or park restrictions. Shoestring Warriors should be in good physical shape, but we will hike at an easy pace and take breaks as needed.

Your Guides

Photo by Ryan Tuttle

Trip Leader Graham has a Masters in Recreation Management at California State University-Northridge and a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Health, and Exercise from the University of Nebraska. He has a collective of 5 years working for Outward Bound and various other collegiate outdoor recreation programs. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder, as well as an avid climber, surfer, backpacker and backcountry skier. He is absolutely stoked to be living on the West coast where he can share his outdoor passions with others. LEARN MORE

If catching a sunrise, summiting peaks, crushing tacos, or throwing up shakas is involved, Triptographer Clare is probably close by. She majored in social media and her parents still ask if that was legitimate. She is a born and bred Californian, but she accidentally moved to Chattanooga, TN once and fell in love with the south. Hands down, the best feeling in the world is crushing a strenuous trail then crushing a beer. Lastly, her #1 goal in life is to keep the stoke alive. Shall we? LEARN MORE

Trip Level

While previous backpacking experience is not required, Shoestring Warriors must be physically fit and prepared to hike up to 7-miles with approximately 35 pounds on your back. Check out our upcoming schedule of community hikes to train with us!

First Time Shoestring Warrior?

After registration, you will receive a Welcome Kit with a customized package list, introductions to your fellow campers, weather forecast and everything else you need to know to prepare for our trip.

Transportation is not included. While you are responsible for getting to and from Shoestring Adventures locations, we will help coordinate carpools for Shoestring Warriors leaving from Los Angeles. Passengers are expected to contribute to their driver for gas and wear & tear.

Traveling from out of town? The closest airports are Palm Springs International—45 minutes from park headquarters—and Ontario International, about an hour and a half from the park. Los Angeles International, Burbank, and Long Beach Airports are all about two to three hours away.

Plan to fly in Thursday night. You can find a place to stay on Airbnb. We will meet bright and early on Friday morning, around 8am. We will return to civilization around noon on Sunday. If you would like to join us for victory lunch at a local restaurant, plan to depart from Joshua Tree to your airport destination around 2pm.

Weather

Average high in February is 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Late February and March is also when desert wildflowers begin to bloom.

Health & Safety

We take extra measures to ensure your safety and maximum level of fun. All Shoestring Adventures trip leaders hold Wilderness First Responder/CPR, Leave No Trace and Food Handling certifications. In remote destinations, we carry a DeLorme inReach Explorer Satellite Messenger to contact authorities in case of emergency.

On the trail, we encourage campers to stay together, wear sun protection and stay hydrated. We minimize risk by keeping groups together while hiking, encouraging everyone to drink water and apply sunscreen, and making sure we’re prepared with gear appropriate to weather and our activities.

Event Photos

Time

Location

Event Details

Join us for an overnight backpacking adventure on Santa Cruz Island, the largest of five islands in Channel Island National Park.
Santa Cruz Island offers 77-miles of

Event Details

Join us for an overnight backpacking adventure on Santa Cruz Island, the largest of five islands in Channel Island National Park.

Santa Cruz Island offers 77-miles of rugged ocean cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, giant sea caves and colorful tidepools. The island is home to many distinctive plant and animal species that have adapted to the unique environment, including the Santa Cruz Island Fox, a local you will likely meet during your visit.

From Ventura Harbor, a ferry will bring us to Scorpion Anchorage. While the campground is only a short .5-mile hike from the ferry, the island has very few amenities, allowing us to slip into the backcountry and hone our skills without too much effort. Learn from our experienced guides how to pack your bag, cook in the backcountry andLeave No Trace. We’ll enjoy hikes across the island, offering panoramic coastal views and wildflower sightings and relaxing beach time. For a sneak peak, check out our previous adventure to Santa Cruz Island!

Highlights For This Adventure

Access the backcountry with just a short .5-mile hike from the ferry to the campground

Observe the Santa Cruz Island Fox and other wildlife in their natural habitat

Included With Every Shoestring Adventure

Experienced Wilderness First Responder/CPR Certified trip leaders

A supportive community of Shoestring Warriors

Gourmet backcountry meals

Triptographer will join to capture the memories

Edited photos 3 weeks after your trip ends

Shoestring Warrior Adventure Kit with curated souvenirs

Permits and reservations

Shoestring Adventures operates with special use permits. A portion of your ticket goes toward protecting and preserving this park for future generations.

Your Journey

Day 1: Meet at Ventura Harbor for a 1-hour ferry ride to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. After camp set-up and orientation, we’ll head out on a 5-mile loop day hike to Cavern Point and Potato Harbor, featuring magnificent coastal views and seasonal whale watching.

Day 2: Pack up camp before a 7-mile round-trip hike to Smuggler’s Cove. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the secluded beach before heading back to Scorpion Anchorage to catch our ferry back to Ventura Harbor.

Total: Approx. 12 miles

Schedule subject to change due to weather, camper ability/injury, natural events or park restrictions. Shoestring Warriors should be in good physical shape, but we will hike at an easy pace and take breaks as needed.

Schedule subject to change due to weather, camper ability/injury, natural events or park restrictions. Shoestring Warriors should be in good physical shape, but we will hike at an easy pace and take breaks as needed.

Your Guides

Trip Leader Heather currently works as an Internship Coordinator at a university and is aspiring to work full time as a Life Coach, offering healing and rejuvenating outdoor activities to others. Heather has found that being in the outdoors provides people with an opportunity to slip away from the sounds of the city, exercise, release tension, gain clarity, find peace, and discover something new about yourself, among so many other things! One of her most meaningful trips was backpacking the John Muir Trail solo. She is so thankful to be a part of the Shoestring Adventures family and looks forward to getting to know you! LEARN MORE

Triptographer Stepfanie is an outdoor enthusiast, photographer, writer, and a lifelong learner. You can find her trying out a new craft or testing out how she can integrate things she enjoys. She loves connecting with adventurous and creative souls!

Trip Level

While previous backpacking experience is not required, Shoestring Warriors must be physically fit and prepared to hike up to 7-miles. Check out our upcoming schedule of community hikes to train with us!

First Time Shoestring Warrior?

After registration, you will receive a Welcome Kit with a customized package list, introductions to your fellow campers, weather forecast and everything else you need to know to prepare for our trip.

Transportation to Ventura Harbor is not included. While you are responsible for getting to and from Shoestring Adventures locations, we will help coordinate carpools for Shoestring Warriors leaving from Los Angeles. Passengers are expected to contribute to their driver for gas and wear & tear.

Traveling from out of town? The closest airport is Santa Barbara Airport—45 minutes from the Ventura Harbor. Los Angeles International and Hollywood Burbank Airports are about one and a half hours away.

If you plan to fly in Friday night, you can find a place to stay on Airbnb. We will meet bright and early on Saturday morning, around 7:30am. We will return to civilization around 5pm on Sunday, so plan your flight accordingly.

Weather

In general, the islands have a Mediterranean climate year-round. Temperatures are relatively stable, with highs averaging in the mid-60s (°F) and lows in the low-50s. Fog is common during the late spring. Click here for current weather forecast.

Health & Safety

We take extra measures to ensure your safety and maximum level of fun. All Shoestring Adventures trip leaders hold Wilderness First Responder/CPR, Leave No Trace and Food Handling certifications. In remote destinations, we carry a DeLorme inReach Explorer Satellite Messenger to contact authorities in case of emergency.

On the trail, we encourage campers to stay together, wear sun protection and stay hydrated. We minimize risk by keeping groups together while hiking, encouraging everyone to drink water and apply sunscreen, and making sure we’re prepared with gear appropriate to weather and our activities.

Shoestring Adventures operates with special use permits. A portion of your ticket goes toward protecting and preserving these parks for future generations.

Your Journey

Day 1: We’ll meet at our campground at 2pm for orientation, followed by a 2-mi hike on the Valley View Overlook Trail. Get to know your new friends over a hearty dinner, followed by a campfire-building lesson.

Day 2: After coffee and breakfast, we’ll enjoy a 4-mi hike around Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which offers a taste of everything the Big Sur coast has to offer — redwood groves, remote beach access and bluff views. After a picnic lunch, we will take in the iconic view of 80-foot McWay Waterfall, followed by a 1.5-mi hike to Partington Cove.

Day 3: After breakfast and camp breakdown, we’ll take an easy 2-mi stroll through the understated Andrew Molera State Park. We’ll relax on the beach, enjoy a light picnic lunch, and dip our toes in the Pacific Ocean one last time before we depart.

Total: Approx. 10 miles

Schedule subject to change due to weather, camper ability/injury, natural events or park restrictions. Shoestring Warriors should be in good physical shape, but we will hike at an easy pace and take breaks as needed.

Your Guides

Trip Leader Canyon Grove graduated from San Diego State University with an degree in Recreation Tourism Management. With over half a decade spent as a head coach for high school lacrosse, he has a strong belief in teamwork when it comes to groups in the outdoors. He loves leading for Shoestring, not only for the personal opportunities to travel, but the opportunity to foster a welcoming community, enjoy delicious food, and make new friends in the great outdoors! He is a certified Wilderness First Responder and avid outdoor adventurer. He lives in Ocean Beach, San Diego. If he isn’t surfing, climbing, or backpacking, he’s working as a cellar person at a micro brewery and a guide for beer tours. LEARN MORE

Triptographer Shani Leead is an LA based photographer and content creator with a bad case of the doodle bug. She spends her working days connecting communities and organizations through the power of social media and the web. She loves traveling, hiking, camping, and beachin’! When she’s not outside, you can find her at comedy shows, concerts, or the movies. Her favorite fictional character is Walter Mitty (of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) and, if you haven’t already, she highly recommends that you watch it! LEARN MORE

Trip Level

While previous camping experience is not required, Shoestring Warriors must be physically fit and prepared to hike up to 4-miles. Check out our upcoming schedule of community hikes to train with us!

First Time Shoestring Warrior?

After registration, you will receive a Welcome Kit with a customized package list, introductions to your fellow campers, weather forecast and everything else you need to know to prepare for our trip.

Transportation is not included. While you are responsible for getting to and from Shoestring Adventures locations, we will help coordinate carpools for Shoestring Warriors leaving from Los Angeles. Passengers are expected to contribute to their driver for gas and wear & tear.

Traveling from out of town? The closest airport is Monterey Airport—30 minutes from the Big Sur Valley. Most major airlines flying into San Jose and San Francisco International Airports have commuter flights to Monterey Airport.

If you plan to fly in Friday night, you can find a place to stay on Airbnb. We will meet at 2pm on Saturday. We will leave Big Sur around noon on Monday, so plan your flight accordingly.

Weather

Typical coastal climate in Big Sur during late spring includes daytime temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s, and nighttime temperatures in the 30’s and 40’s.

Health & Safety

We take extra measures to ensure your safety and maximum level of fun. All Shoestring Adventures trip leaders hold Wilderness First Responder/CPR, Leave No Trace and Food Handling certifications. In remote destinations, we carry a DeLorme inReach Explorer Satellite Messenger to contact authorities in case of emergency.

On the trail, we encourage campers to stay together, wear sun protection and stay hydrated. We minimize risk by keeping groups together while hiking, encouraging everyone to drink water and apply sunscreen, and making sure we’re prepared with gear appropriate to weather and our activities.

Time

Location

Event Details

Join us for a 3-day backpacking adventure along the north shore of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a 13.8-mile round trip journey featuring Tueeulala, Wapama and Rancheria Falls and the

Event Details

Join us for a 3-day backpacking adventure along the north shore of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a 13.8-mile round trip journey featuring Tueeulala, Wapama and Rancheria Falls and the best springtime wildflower show in the park. This adventure has been added to our 2018 line-up upon special request from Shoestring Warriors Curtis & Allison.

Hetch Hetchy was once a majestic glacier carved valley rivaling the scenic beauty of Yosemite Valley. But in 1913, the United States allowed San Francisco to build a dam to provide water and power for the city. The controversy over the dam sparked our nation’s conservation movement, and no such intrusions in our parks have been allowed since. While we’ll never know what once was, we can still enjoy the awe inspiring beauty that remains.

Shoestring Adventures operates with special use permits. A portion of your ticket goes toward protecting and preserving this park for future generations.

Your Journey

Day 1: Depart from the campground at 9am. Our journey begins from O’Shaughnessy Dam on a gentle trail lined with oak trees and wildflowers, while Kolana Rock towers 2,000 feet on the other side of Hetch Hetchy reservoir. We’ll pass under 800-foot Tueeulala Falls, the first of three waterfalls on this trail. Around 2.5-miles, we’ll feel the spray and thunder of 1,000-foot Wapama Falls. From there, we’ll begin to climb above the lake, around Hetch Hetchy Dome and over Tiltill Creek, until we reach Rancheria Creek cascading into the reservoir over Rancheria Falls. We’ll set up camp here, then prepare a delicious backcountry dinner. (Total: 6.9-miles, 1,400 elevation change)

Day 2: Over coffee and breakfast, we’ll decide how to spend our free day: explore the scenic Tiltill Valley, climb LeConte Point for a birds eye view of Hetch Hetchy reservoir, relax by Rancheria Creek, or all of the above? We’ll end the day with another delicious backcountry dinner.

Day 3: After a power breakfast, we’ll break down camp and hike out 6.9-miles toward O’Shaughnessy Dam, where our journey began. We’ll meet up for a victory lunch at a local restaurant before returning home.

Total: Approx. 13.8 miles minimum

Schedule subject to change due to weather, camper ability/injury, natural events or park restrictions. Shoestring Warriors should be in good physical shape, but we will hike at an easy pace and take breaks as needed.

Your Guides

Trip Leader Graham has a Master’s degree in Recreation Management at California State University-Northridge and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Health, and Exercise from the University of Nebraska. He has a collective of 7 years working for Outward Bound and various other collegiate outdoor recreation programs. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder, has taken his Avalanche 1 course and is working towards his AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Certification. He is an avid climber, surfer, backpacker and backcountry skier. He is absolutely stoked to live on the West coast where he can share his outdoor passions with others.LEARN MORE

Triptographer Lindsey is a professional photographer, artist, and barista, uprooted Southern California surfer at heart, and avid outdoorswoman. When not behind her camera or slinging lattes, she is usually behind a book or a map, plotting her next adventure. She also really loves mac n cheese.

Trip Level

While previous backpacking experience is not required, Shoestring Warriors must be physically fit and prepared to hike up to 7-miles. Check out ourupcoming schedule of community hikes to train with us!

First Time Shoestring Warrior?

After registration, you will receive a Welcome Kit with a customized package list, introductions to your fellow campers, weather forecast and everything else you need to know to prepare for our trip.

Transportation to Yosemite National Park is not included. While you are responsible for getting to and from Shoestring Adventures locations, we will help coordinate carpools for Shoestring Warriors leaving from Los Angeles. Passengers are expected to contribute to their driver for gas and wear & tear.

Traveling from out of town? San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Reno/Tahoe International Airports are approximately 4 hours drive from Yosemite Big Oak Flat Entrance Station. Click here for a complete list of airports. You will need to rent a car to get from the airport to the park.

Weather

Typical late spring to summer climate in Yosemite Valley is warm to hot, with occasional rain (usually as afternoon thundershowers, especially at the higher elevations) with average daytime temperatures in the 80’s and nighttime temperatures in the 50’s.

Health & Safety

We take extra measures to ensure your safety and maximum level of fun. All Shoestring Adventures trip leaders hold Wilderness First Responder/CPR,Leave No Trace and Food Handling certifications. In remote destinations, we carry aDeLorme inReach Explorer Satellite Messenger to contact authorities in case of emergency.

On the trail, we encourage campers to stay together, wear sun protection and stay hydrated. We minimize risk by keeping groups together while hiking, encouraging everyone to drink water and apply sunscreen, and making sure we’re prepared with gear appropriate to weather and our activities.

Time

Location

Event Details

Join us for a camping adventure and night photography workshop in Kings Canyon National Park!
Nestled between Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, Kings Canyon is a land of towering

Event Details

Join us for a camping adventure and night photography workshop in Kings Canyon National Park!

Nestled between Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, Kings Canyon is a land of towering giants in the southern Sierra Nevadas of California. Between the granite walls and the deep canyons grow the largest trees in the world! John Muir called Kings Canyon “a rival to Yosemite.” The views are just as breathtaking, but without the modern day crowds.

On our two night adventure, we’ll explore the cascading waterfalls, tranquil meadows, sequoia groves and breathtaking views that make up the majestic beauty of Kings Canyon. Our weekend wouldn’t be complete with a salute to General Grant, the world’s third-largest living organism, which has a greater base diameter than any other sequoia.

Once the stars come out, Triptographer Mike Struna will lead us in the Night Photography Edition of our TAKE ONLY MEMORIES workshop series, designed to teach students how to become skilled observers & stewards of the natural world through the lens. Mike will break down the basics of night photography and share his passion for capturing the stars.

Learn from our experienced guides how to camp like a pro, cook a delicious meal outdoors, hike safely in bear country and minimize your impact on the environment. Connect with like-minded people and make your weekend count! Beginner and experienced Shoestring Warriors welcome. Limited spots available, so register today!

Highlights For This Adventure

Get a taste of everything Kings Canyon has to offer, including cascading waterfalls, tranquil meadows, sequoia groves and breathtaking views

Enjoy a post-hike dip in the snowmelt river at Muir Rock, a giant boulder on the King River where the naturalist used to give talks

Learn the basics of night photography and capture the stars with your camera.

Included With Every Shoestring Adventure

Experienced Wilderness First Responder/CPR Certified trip leaders

A supportive community of Shoestring Warriors

Gourmet camp meals

Triptographer will join to capture the memories

Edited photos 3 weeks after your trip ends

Shoestring Warrior Adventure Kit with curated souvenirs

Permits and reservations

Shoestring Adventures operates with special use permits. A portion of your ticket goes toward protecting and preserving these parks for future generations.

Your Journey

Day 1: Meet at group campsite at 2pm for orientation and set-up. Stretch our legs with an easy 2-mi hike on the Big Stump Trail, an area that was heavily logged in the 1880’s and now serves as an important reminder to protect our environment. Climb a set of stairs to stand atop the Mark Twain Stump, a sequoia that was felled in 1891 so that the American Museum of Natural History in New York could have a slice to exhibit. Return to camp for a delicious dinner, followed by campfire-building lesson and s’mores. After dinner, join us for a 0.5-mi hike to Panoramic Point for the most breathtaking view of the night sky we’ve seen to date. We’ll break down the basics of night photography and capture the stars with our cameras.

Day 2: Challenge yourself with a rewarding hike from Road’s End to 45-ft Mist Falls (8.1-mi round trip). We’ll have a light picnic lunch at the falls before retracing our steps to the trailhead. Before returning to camp, we’ll visit Muir Rock for a revitalizing dip in the snowmelt river. Back at camp, we’ll enjoy a hearty feast, followed by campfire and s’mores. After dinner, we’ll head out again to practice our night photography skills.

Day 3: Following breakfast and camp breakdown, we’ll explore Grant’s Grove with a moderate 4.6-mi hike to a waterfall. Before leaving the park, we’ll salute General Grant, the world’s third-largest living organism, which has a greater base diameter than any other sequoia. Optional: Meet for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Los Angeles.

Total: Approx. 15 miles

Schedule subject to change due to weather, camper ability/injury, natural events or park restrictions. Shoestring Warriors should be in good physical shape, but we will hike at an easy pace and take breaks as needed.

Your Guides

Trip leader Canyon Grove graduated from San Diego State University with an degree in Recreation Tourism Management. With over half a decade spent as a head coach for high school lacrosse, he has a strong belief in teamwork when it comes to groups in the outdoors. He loves leading for Shoestring, not only for the personal opportunities to travel, but the opportunity to foster a welcoming community, enjoy delicious food, and make new friends in the great outdoors! He is a certified Wilderness First Responder and avid outdoor adventurer. He lives in Ocean Beach, San Diego. If he isn’t surfing, climbing, or backpacking, he’s working as a cellar person at a micro brewery and a guide for beer tours

Triptographer Mike Struna has been in LA for 2+ years and is loving all the adventures it has to offer! He is a designer and maker by day and lifestyle/adventure photographer by weekend and night. He loves to capture the moments that nature has to offer – just have to surround yourself and seek them out! LEARN MORE

Trip Level

While previous camping experience is not required, Shoestring Warriors must be physically fit and prepared to hike up to 8-miles. Check out our upcoming schedule of community hikes to train with us!

First Time Shoestring Warrior?

After registration, you will receive a Welcome Kit with a customized package list, introductions to your fellow campers, weather forecast and everything else you need to know to prepare for our trip.

Transportation is not included. While you are responsible for getting to and from Shoestring Adventures locations, we will help coordinate carpools for Shoestring Warriors leaving from Los Angeles. Passengers are expected to contribute to their driver for gas and wear & tear.

Traveling from out of town? The closest airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport—1.25 hours from the Kings Canyon park entrance. From the airport, you can rent a car to reach the park.

We will meet at 2pm on Friday. We will leave Kings Canyon around noon on Sunday, so you can plan your flight accordingly.

Weather

In summer, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks weather in the middle elevations (4,000 to 7,000 feet) is characterized by warm days and cool evenings, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.

Health & Safety

We take extra measures to ensure your safety and maximum level of fun. All Shoestring Adventures trip leaders hold Wilderness First Responder/CPR, Leave No Trace and Food Handling certifications. In remote destinations, we carry a DeLorme inReach Explorer Satellite Messenger to contact authorities in case of emergency.

On the trail, we encourage campers to stay together, wear sun protection and stay hydrated. We minimize risk by keeping groups together while hiking, encouraging everyone to drink water and apply sunscreen, and making sure we’re prepared with gear appropriate to weather and our activities.

About

Shoestring Adventures offers guided weekend camping & backpacking adventures and a supportive community for anyone who wants to experience the outdoors.

Founder Alyx Schwarz started Shoestring Adventures in 2011 following back surgery. A former triathlete and marathon runner, she rediscovered her love of the outdoors through hiking. Since then, she has devoted weekends to exploring her home state of California and invites you to come along!